Ex Libris - Raymond Prévost - Charles Le Goffic

Ex Libris / Book Label / Bookmark / Bookplate

Ex libris of Raymond Prévost for Charles Le Goffic

hand-signed. dated 1925 in Orleans

Charles Le Goffic was a well-known French writer and historian, famous for his works on Brittany.

Year: 1925
Size approx.: 12 x 9.5 cm
Condition: in good condition for its age, mounted on cardboard

An ex libris (from the Latin ex libris = "from the books [of...]") is a small, printed label that is pasted onto the inside of a book cover to identify ownership.

The purpose: It protects valuable books from being lost when lent out and shows who the owner is.
The inscription: It almost always contains the owner's name, often introduced by the words "Ex Libris," "From the library of," or "My book."
The design: In addition to the name, it usually features artistic graphics, coats of arms, portraits, or motifs that reflect the owner's hobbies, profession, or personality.
The origin: The custom originated shortly after the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, when books were still valuable luxury items.
The techniques: In the past, they were mostly produced as woodcuts or copperplate engravings, later as lithographs, etchings, or linocuts.